JEDHA (Rogue One)

The desert moon of Jedha was a small moon, located in the Inner Rim. Frosted by a permanent winter that caused a cold climate, with an atmosphere suitable for human habitation.

The ancient world of Jedha was home to one of the first civilizations to explore the
nature of the Force, and was considered a spiritual home of the Jedi. As a result, the moon became a holy land for those who followed the Force and a place that one would go on a pilgrimage.

Subsequent to the fall of the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic, its successor state–the Galactic Empire–occupied Jedha for possession of the resources that once served the Jedi Order as lightsaber component material. Under the rule of the Empire, the timeworn streets of Jedha were patrolled by stormtroopers and Imperial Assault Hovertanks. The Imperial oppression later led to the formation of a resistance, coordinated by the Rebel veteran Saw Gerrera who preferred brutal tactics. Some time before the Battle of Yavin, Rebel soldiers Cassian Andor and Jyn Erso undertook a mission to Jedha to secure a member of the resistance group.

The moon was inspired by real life holy cities such as Mecca and Jerusalem. Jedha also has Middle Eastern influences with its narrow market alleyways, desert sands, and Ottoman-inspired architecture.

“If you believe in the Jedi and you believe in the Force, it feels like Jedha is somewhere you should visit in your lifetime.”
―Gareth Edwards

As both Jyn and Cassian land on Jedha in the search for Saw Gerrera there is an impressive landing scene where the U-Wing travels from left to right on screen and lands behind a natural stone arch. I believe this is the location of that arch in the northern part of the Wadi Rum region. GPS: 29o 48′ 36”N / 35o 27′ 22”E.